A train driving paedophile used his rare mini-locomotive to lure youngsters into his clutches.

Gary Peach, 23, befriended young boys by showing them his 7¼in-gauge model Midland Blue Pullman train, complete with passenger carrying carriages – the only one of its kind in the world.

His behaviour became so worrying police made an application for a sexual offences prevention order (Sopo) to prevent him grooming children.

Since the court action, Peach, a member of the Sutton Model Engineering Club, has put his train set up for sale at £21,000. He bought it for £17,000.

Peach, who has convictions for possessing child-sex abuse images dating back to 2007, appeared before Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The former junior football referee, from Wallington, met children at Swanley New Barn Railway in Kent.

The court heard Peach would travel to the club for over-18s open days, which were regularly attended by children.

During this time he befriended some of the junior members, including a 15-year-old boy, whom he emailed at length and had signed off “love you”.

He attended railway festivals in Brighton and in Doncaster with the boy. They stayed overnight and he also picked up the boy from school.

In May last year he was stopped by police with five children in the back of his car – four of whom were under 16 – prompting the police to make the order.

A police report said there was a serious risk of sexual harm to mid-teen boys.

A five-year Sopo order was made against him yesterday.

Swanley New Barn Railway Society chairman Peter Beevers refused to comment.

Ron Dewar, club publicity manager, said: “I can’t believe it. He was popular and everyone got on with him. He gave the children a lift in his train. They really liked him.”

He said the club ran a criminal records bureau check on everyone who brought their trains to the club, and Peach would have been checked.

Mr Dewar said Peach had a team of 13 and 14-year-olds with him who would help him run the train.

He said he understood Peach travelled around the country with them to various events.

In January 2007, Peach was convicted of 13 counts of making child-sex abuse images and was handed a community sentence and placed on the Protection of Children Act and Protection of Vulnerable Adults lists.

Peach had claimed he was teased at school about his small feet and this led him to feeling “insecure” about the size of his penis.

In July 2008, he appealed unsuccessfully against being placed on these lists at a Care Standards Tribunal.

The secretary of the Surrey Society of Model Engineers said: "The Blue Pullman has been well received by our visiting public over recent years.

"It last came here for the late May Bank Holiday Monday when we were short of available trains. Gary Peach, who is not a member of SSME and never has been, was not in attendance.

"Mr Peach and/or the train will not be attending again. Currently, our railway is open to the public on about twelve days per year.

"Our committee frequently reviews our requirement in respect of Criminal Records Bureau checking.

"Whilst being vigilant to create an enjoyable time for our members and our visitors, as these SSME activities were open to the general public, they are therefore not a Regulated Activity.

"We recently confirmed the position with Independent Safeguarding Authority, and remain on their register to be kept updated.

"We have a web site, which viewers may leave questions or comment.

"Until June 23, none of our club officials or the web site have been approached."

Secretary Surrey Society of Model Engineers